School of Study

The programme runs for 38 weeks and includes at least 120 days on placement in schools and 70 days spent at the University. We work in partnership with nursery, infant, junior, primary, first and middle schools across Norfolk and Suffolk. The course is available through both UEA and one of our School Direct partners.

The programme prepares students to teach in the age bands 3-7 or 5-11 years. Students follow programmes in teaching core and non-core subjects, relevant to their age ranges.

In University League Tables, UEA has been consistently ranked as one of the top universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2014), and we are ranked in the Top 15 in The Guardian University Guide (2015) and the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2015).

Programme structure

Work based in schools is spread across all three terms with final teaching placements in the spring and summer terms.

University-based sessions will be held in Norwich, a location which is widely regarded as one of the most attractive and friendly cities in Britain. The campus at the University of East Anglia is set in extensive parkland and the distinctive architecture is nationally acclaimed.

Teaching based at the university employs a range of teaching methods and group sizes, including lectures, seminars and practical workshops.

Course variants

Applicants will be required to indicate the preferred stage they will be applying to study within the overall programme. Please see the Course Profile tab for further details about the stage options available.

The School of Education and Lifelong Learning is one of the top teacher training institutions in the United Kingdom.

Our PGCE Teacher Training Programmes have been developed in close partnership with schools across Norfolk and Suffolk. We will provide you with the academic, professional and personal skills and competencies needed to enable you to achieve the best from your future pupils.

Course Variants

Applicants will be required to indicate the preferred stage they will be applying to study within the overall programme. The following options are available:

General Class Teacher

There are three programmes preparing the student to be a general class teacher in different age ranges and key stage specialisms:

UTT Code: X110 This programme prepares the student to be a general class teacher in the age range 3 to 7 years, with a specialism in the Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) and Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2).

UTT Code: X100 This programme prepares the student to be a general class teacher in the age range 5 to 11 years, with a specialism in Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) and Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4).

UTT Code: X171 This programme prepares the student to be a general class teacher in the age range 5 to 11 years, with a specialism in Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6).

General Class Teacher with Primary Modern Languages

There are three programmes preparing the student to be a general class teacher in the age range 5 to 11 years with a specialism in the teaching of Primary Modern Languages in Key Stage 2:

UTT Code: XR11Primary Modern Language (French) This programme prepares the student to be a general class teacher in the age range 5 to 11 years, with a specialist interest in developing expertise in teaching children at Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) including French language teaching.

UTT Code: XR21Primary Modern Language (German) This programme prepares the student to be a general class teacher in the age range 5 to 11 years, with a specialist interest in developing expertise in teaching children at Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) including German language teaching.

UTT Code: XR41Primary Modern Language (Spanish) This programme prepares the student to be a general class teacher in the age range 5 to 11 years, with a specialist interest in developing expertise in teaching children at Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) including Spanish language teaching.

General Class Teacher with Mathematics

UTT Code: 2NQB This programme prepares the student to be a general class teacher with a specialism in the teaching and learning of mathematics in the primary age range. We are interested in recruiting a select group of students with a strong interest in the teaching of mathematics to children. Apply through the above code, and please indicate interest in this option through your personal statement.

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Entry Requirements

Degree Subject:All degree subjects considered.

Degree Classification:2:2 or above.

Special Entry Requirements:Please see below.

Entry Requirement

Degree requirements

Applicants are required to have achieved a good honours degree (preferably class 2:2 and above) or its equivalent* by the beginning of the PGCE programme in September.

GCSE and A Level requirements

Before making your application you must have a GCSE pass at Grade C or its equivalent* in English Language, Mathematics and in a natural Science subject (ie Biology, Chemistry, Physics or a combination of these) regardless of your date of birth. We would also expect to see a good standard of academic attainment at A Level or its equivalent*.

Candidates applying for the Primary Language courses must have achieved an A Level or gained considerable experience working with or using their chosen language. In certain circumstances we may be able to take into account any experience of living/working in a country which speaks the appropriate language. Linguistic skills will be assessed at the interview stage to ascertain suitability.

*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making their application.

Pre-Application classroom experience

Candidates should also ensure that on their application form they are able to demonstrate that they have gained recent experience, with children of the relevant age range, in the mainstream school environment. Primary applicants should ensure they have gained experience across their chosen age range. For Early Years applicants, it is particularly important to have experience in both Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, due to the curriculum differences.

It is important for candidates to have an understanding of and reflect on how classrooms are managed and how teaching and learning takes place within the classroom prior to interview. It is recommended that candidates gain at least 5 days' observational experience in the classroom environment. Applicants should observe and reflect on how the teacher:

Starts the lesson

Structures the lesson

Makes use of different teaching strategies and styles

Involves pupils in the lesson

Manages behaviour

Works with pupils at different levels of ability and/or specific needs

Involves support staff

Makes use of technology and other resources

Closes the lesson.

There are a number of ways in which you can achieve this:

Contact Your Local School Try contacting local schools where you live to see if you are able to arrange a time to observe some lessons. You need only to have undertaken observational experience prior to submitting your application. Please note that it is at the discretion of each school as to whether they will allow visitors into their classrooms.

University Career SchemesCandidates who are currently studying at university may be able to participate in Teaching Schemes organised by the Careers Service. For example, UEA offers Student Mentoring through the Student Ambassador Scheme, which aims to contribute towards raising the aspirations of year 9 school students, particularly those from backgrounds with no family history of further or higher education. Mentors provide students with academic and personal development support through mentoring sessions, educational activities and visits to UEA. Please contact outreach@uea.ac.uk for further information.

Knowledge of the National Curriculum, key contacts and useful links

Applications are considered on an individual basis and being able to demonstrate a strong level of knowledge about the National Curriculum and current issues affecting teaching is advantageous. These educational links will provide you with some useful points of contact to help to get you started!

Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN: Disclosure of Criminal Background for Those with Access to Children All applicants for the PGCE course will be required to obtain an EnhancedCriminal Records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The enhanced disclosure will be used to assess suitability for the programme and information provided may be discussed with the external members of the School's Safeguarding Sub-Committees. Candidates are responsible for payment of the DBS fee. General information about this process can be obtained from the Disclosure and Barring Service Website.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)

PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date. Other tests such as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.

Special Entry Requirements

Skills tests

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Fees for the PGCE programme will be £9,000 for entry in September 2015, subject to approval from OFFA.

Maintenance grants (UK Students only)

If you are normally resident in England you may be entitled to receive a Maintenance Grant. All candidates from the UK should contact Student Finance England or tel: 0845 300 5090 for full information on Maintenance Grants.

EU and International students are advised to contact the Department for Education in order to confirm what financial support may be available.

Living expenses

Approximately £7,500 living expenses will be needed to adequately support yourself.

Making your application

Candidates are required to apply via the UCAS Teacher Training (UCAS). This is the central "clearing house" which deals with all applications for PGCE courses across the country. There is no specified deadline for any of our teacher training courses. However, all candidates are advised to apply as early as possible in the application cycle.

Referees

You are advised to ensure that your referees are available to submit their references immediately upon request (usually electronically via UCAS Teacher Training). Your chosen institution will not receive your application until both referees has submitted their references. Please see the UCAS Teacher Training Referee Guidance for information on selection. NB: Candidates are required to supply an academic referee as their first reference if they have completed their studies in the last 5 years.

Preparing your application

Candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly. Application forms should be able to demonstrate not only your depth of subject knowledge but also your enthusiasm and commitment to a career in teaching. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our PGCE Teacher Training Prospectus and the information available from the Department for Education and related educational establishments. These sources will help you to gain knowledge of the current issues facing teaching, specifically in the subject area for which you are applying. During interview you will be expected to be able to answer questions about these issues, and what has prompted your desire to choose teaching as a career.

Candidates are normally chosen on the basis of their application form, references and an interview.

Equal opportunities

The University of East Anglia operates an equal opportunities admissions policy. We aim to ensure that no applicant receives less favourable consideration on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin or religious belief. More on equal opportunities... See also: UEA PGCE Equal Opportunities Document

Students with a Disability (including Dyslexia) The University welcomes students with disabilities and is working towards the provision of an inclusive environment for all its students, staff and visitors. More on disability support...

Further information

To request further information and to be kept up to date with news and events please use our online enquiry form.

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us: